A Real-Life Heat Pump and Solar PV Installation in Surbiton: Future-Proofing a 1930s Home
- Leah Robson
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Colin and Deborah’s 1930s detached home in Surbiton, Surrey is full of period charm, but like many older houses, it wasn’t built for today’s energy standards. Rising bills, carbon goals, and a desire for modern comfort inspired them to explore a heat pump installation and solar PV installation, but they wanted to do it the right way.
When we met them at the Kingston Efficient Homes Show, it was clear they wanted more than a quick quote. They wanted a partner who would understand their home, not just install technology.
The Challenge: Bringing Warmth and Efficiency to a 1930s Home
Their house had solid brick walls in the main structure and a newer, insulated rear extension - a tricky mix for a heat pump. Oversizing would mean unnecessary cost; undersizing could compromise comfort.
Our goal was to find the perfect balance: a system that kept their home cosy while cutting energy use and emissions.
Our Approach: Understanding Before Installing
At Your Energy Your Way, we believe great installations start with real data, not assumptions. We carried out a whole-home assessment to fully understand how their home behaved through the seasons.
We used:
Purrmetrix data loggers to track how the house lost heat in real winter conditions. This provided evidence of real heat loss patterns and avoided the “worst case scenario” estimates that often lead to oversizing.
U-value checks (as we discussed in Solid walls are not always what they seem) to ensure our calculations matched the real building fabric.
Air tightness testing to spot and seal draughts - this highlighted easy-to-fix draughts, which improved comfort and gave us more confidence in the heat loss figures.
When the first round of data wasn’t enough, we gathered more. This transparent approach helped Colin and Deborah feel confident that every recommendation was backed by evidence.
The result? Their true heat loss was lower than expected, meaning we could downsize the heat pump from 12kW to 8kW, saving them money on equipment and reducing radiator upgrades by five.
The Solution: Heat Pump + Solar + Battery Storage
We designed a whole-home renewable system built around their lifestyle and energy goals:
Samsung 8kW R290 Monobloc Heat Pump for efficient, steady warmth.
Homely smart thermostat to optimise comfort and control.
10-panel Eurener Nexa 500W solar PV system for low-carbon power.
16.12kWh Sigen battery setup to store solar energy and maximise self-use.
This combination gives them:
A quiet, efficient heating system tailored to their home’s real needs.
Free daytime electricity from the sun.
Stored solar energy for evenings and cloudy days, cutting reliance on the grid.
The Experience: “It Was About Getting the House Right First”
Deborah described the experience in her own words:
“The whole-home assessment made us feel understood. It wasn’t just about installing stuff -it was about getting the house right first.”
“I can’t speak highly enough of the installation teams. They were absolutely brilliant - a joy to have around.”
“It was wonderful to see such a strong emphasis on women being trained and brought through.”
Their experience highlights something important: technical skill matters, but so does care, communication, and trust.
The Results: Comfort, Control, and Confidence
Today, Colin and Deborah’s home runs on renewable heat and solar power, giving them:
Even, comfortable warmth throughout the home.
Lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions.
Energy independence, with battery storage reducing grid reliance.
A future-ready home that feels every bit as good as it looks.
Why This Heat Pump and Solar PV Installation in Surbiton Worked So Well
If you own a 1930s or older home in and wonder whether a heat pump could work for you - the answer is yes, if it’s designed around your home.
Proper design = reliable warmth — even with solid walls.
Real data = accurate sizing and no wasted spend.
Integration matters — heat pump + solar + battery = maximum value.
The right partner makes the process enjoyable — not stressful.
Thinking About Your Own Heat Pump or Solar Installation in Surrey?
If you’re in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire or West London or want to explore a heat pump and solar PV installation in Surbiton, we’d love to help.
We’ll take the time to understand your home, your goals, and your comfort, so you can enjoy a warm, efficient, and future-ready home built around you.
Find out more about what is possible for your home by either booking a Discovery call or completing our online questionnaire.
Doing More Research?
If you’re still exploring your options, that’s perfectly normal. Investing in your home’s energy system is a big decision. Check out our dedicated pages to learn more:
Solar PV systems - how solar panels can help power your home and reduce energy bills.
Heat pumps - how modern heat pumps keep your home warm, efficient, and low-carbon all year round.
Retrofits - It’s never too late to retrofit your home with solar and heat pump technology, even if it’s a traditional or period property. With the right design and installation, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.
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